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Ousted Kyrgyz President Signs Resignation


Akaev (in file photo) reportedly agreed today to step down Prague, 4 April 2005 -- Kyrgyz officials said today that ousted President Askar Akaev signed a resignation agreement earlier in the day to clear the way to solidifying political order in the country.

The agreement follows political upheaval on 24 March that caused Akaev to flee the country and was reportedly signed at the Kyrgyz Embassy in Moscow.

Akaev signed the agreement one day after it was worked out in talks with a delegation representing Kyrgyzstan's interim leadership, which is led by the former opposition.

"This was an important decision on Akaev's part," said Tashkul Kereksisov, a member of the Kyrgyz parliamentary delegation to Moscow that helped work out the deal. "First of all, it was necessary for the people of Kyrgyzstan and for the state to continue developing in a legal way and to maintain the chain of command in the government. This document was necessary. The revolution has in effect completed, new authorities are in place, but this document was necessary from the legal point of view."

Akaev also made an 18-minute recorded statement at the embassy that will be played during a session of Kyrgyzstan's parliament tomorrow and then broadcast on Kyrgyz television.

Kyrgyz officials involved in the talks with Akaev said the ousted president's resignation is effective tomorrow.

Akaev fled to Russia after demonstrators stormed his offices following weeks of protest at parliamentary elections the opposition deemed fraudulent.

Temir Sariev, a Kyrgyz parliamentary commission member, told RFE/RL that parliament will now schedule a date for the presidential election.

The interim authorities had already tentatively scheduled a new presidential election for 26 June.

Temir Sariev, a Kyrgyz parliamentary commission member speaking yesterday with RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, Radio Azattyk, outlined the terms of the deal before its signing.

"On the basis of the negotiations, a [resignation] protocol was signed, which has four points. First, according to the constitution, President Akaev will sign his resignation. Second, the [parliament], on the basis of Akaev’s application, issued a special decision on the implementation of the law on ex-presidents. Third, the parliament, on the basis of [Akaev’s] application, would announce the suspension of his authority. Fourth, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation will guarantee the implementation of the laws, particularly, the law on ex-presidents."

(AP/AFP/Reuters)

Related story:

"Kyrgyzstan: How Bishkek's Revolution Happened So Fast"

[For background and coverage of recent events in Kyrgyzstan, see RFE/RL's dedicated Revolution in Kyrgyzstan webpage.]

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